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Learning the farm industry

THOMAS — On Wednesday Students moved quietly about their tasks, moving sprinkler pipe, pulling weeds, doing other things farmers do daily.
They are participants in the crop science class at Snake River High School.
Joining them were members of Crop Production Services, which provides
consulting.
“We’re excited to help because we’re in the fertilizer business,” said Leon Anderson of CPS.
“Most crop consultants average about 55 years old so we’re trying to get
kids interested in farming,” Anderson said of CPS’ participation in the class.
“There’s going to be a whole bunch of openings,”
Anderson said. “We encourage kids to look into this industry.”
“We appreciate the community,” said Todd Withers of CPS. “We’re
very excited to do thing with the kids.”
Withers also pointed out the opportunities there are for students in agriculture.
“There’s a really good future if they’ll get into agronomy,” he added.
Senior-to-be Dexton Lake, whose family is involved in ranching, said
he and many of his fellow students took the summer school class because it’s a science credit.
“Farming is a science; there’s no doubt about that,” he said. “Here you
get to see the fruit of your labors.”
Lake said he’s considering a career as a crop consultant.
“Part of our homework is learning the basics of crop consulting,” Lake
said. “I enjoy being able to learn something different.”
Garth VanOrden, a local farmer, provided the seed for the class.
“The hands-on aspect of this class is wonderful,” VanOrden said. “The kids get to learn about agronomy.”
J.B. Hoge, Snake River’s Ag teacher, said he has 27 students enrolled in the class and attendance has been really good although they report at 7 a.m. each day.
Superintendent Mark Gabrylczyk noted that Crop Production Services
has indicated its employees will participate in the class again next summer.